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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

Provence & the Elegant Rhône

River cruise from London through Provence and Burgundy aboard MS Amadeus Provence

Illustration of Provence & the Elegant Rhône

Great Rail Journeys operates this 8-day escorted river cruise departing London St Pancras and ending in Beaune. The journey combines rail travel by Eurostar and TGV with seven nights aboard the five-star MS Amadeus Provence, sailing the Rhône and Saône rivers through southern France and Burgundy. Days blend guided exploration of historic cities with relaxation on board; Day 2 includes a journey on the steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux, Day 3 covers Avignon and the Palais des Papes, Day 5 showcases the Ardèche Gorge, and Day 7 brings a Burgundy wine tasting in Beaune. All meals, drinks with dinner, and excursions are included, plus a dedicated tour manager and luggage service from home. The itinerary suits luxury-seeking couples and small groups who value guided comfort, fine dining, wine and food experiences, and cultural immersion without the demands of independent travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • Single supplement is GBP 1,200 (priceSingleFrom GBP 3,999), significantly above half the double rate.
  • Day 4 offers two optional excursions (Camargue Delta or Pont du Gard); the pack does not confirm both are fully included or if one is charged separately.
  • Departures are scheduled April through October 2027; no departures confirmed for other seasons or years.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: MS Amadeus Provence (sailing to Tournon-sur-Rhône)

    Boarding our ship in Lyon

    Meet the Tour Manager and travel group at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar to Paris. Switch trains in Paris and continue on the regional service to Lyon. On arrival, a coach transfer takes you to the waterfront where MS Amadeus Provence awaits. Settle into cabins, enjoy a welcome cocktail on the sun deck, then a first five-course dinner with drinks package before setting sail for Tournon-sur-Rhône.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: MS Amadeus Provence (Avignon)

    The steam powered Train de l'Ardèche

    Travel by coach to Tournon St Jean railway station to board the Train de l'Ardèche. Take a memorable journey through the spectacular Gorges du Doux region. Return to Tournon-sur-Rhône by train, reboard the ship and have lunch while sailing to Avignon.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: MS Amadeus Provence (Arles)

    Exploring Avignon & Palais des Papes

    Guided tour of Avignon via Le Petit Train d'Avignon. Visit the historic centre, papal palaces, majestic cathedral and enter the Pope's Palace. Return to ship for lunch, then free time to explore Avignon independently. Five-course dinner before sailing for Arles.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Provence (sailing to Châteauneuf-du-Rhône)

    Arles walking tour, Pont du Gard or the Camargue Delta

    Guided walking tour of Arles with entrance to the Arles Arenas and St Trophyme Cathedral. Return to ship for lunch, then choose between two optional excursions: the Camargue Delta (wild horses, flamingos) or the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct. Return to ship for dinner and overnight sailing to Châteauneuf-du-Rhône.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Provence (Lyon)

    The Ardèche Gorge, 'Europe's Grand Canyon'

    Visit the stunning Ardèche Gorge, including the natural stone arch of the Pont d'Arc and views from the Serre de Tourre. Conclude with a visit to the Lavender Museum. Rejoin the ship in Le Pouzin and enjoy lunch while sailing towards Lyon.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Provence (sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône)

    France's gastronomic centre, Lyon

    Guided tour of Lyon including the Old Town with its narrow cobbled streets and hidden traboules, concluding with a praline tasting. Return to ship for lunch, then free afternoon to explore Lyon at leisure. Dinner on board before cruising to Chalon-sur-Saône through scenic hills, vineyards and châteaux.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Provence (Lyon)

    Arriving in the Burgundy wine region

    Arrive in Chalon-sur-Saône. Early breakfast on board, then coach to Beaune for a guided city tour of the medieval town. Wine tasting of celebrated Burgundy wines including pinot noir and Chardonnay. Return to ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon sailing back towards Lyon. Gala dinner on board in the evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Homeward bound

    Breakfast on board before disembarking in Lyon for the final time. Coach transfer to Lyon railway station, train to Paris, then Eurostar back to London St Pancras International.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Journey aboard the steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux, a nostalgic heritage train experience included in the package.
  • Day 3Day 3: Guided tour of Avignon via Le Petit Train d'Avignon, including entry to the Palais des Papes and the medieval papal quarter.
  • Day 5Day 5: Visit to the Ardèche Gorge with views from Serre de Tourre and the natural stone arch of Pont d'Arc, plus a Lavender Museum stop.
  • Day 7Day 7: Guided tour of Beaune with tasting of Burgundy wines (pinot noir and Chardonnay) in France's wine heartland.

Included

  • Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Provence
  • Excellent service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • First & Standard Class rail options available
  • Eurostar Plus on First Class departures
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day including a spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • Complimentary luggage service from home to the ship and back (one case per cabin)
  • All excursions included
  • Entrance to Arles Arenas and St Trophyme Cathedral
  • Entrance to the Pope's Palace in Avignon
  • Entrance to the Lavender Museum
  • Train de l'Ardèche journey
  • Le Petit Train d'Avignon transfers
  • Choice of optional excursion in Arles (Camargue Delta or Pont du Gard)

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Eurostar (London St Pancras to Paris), TGV (Paris to Lyon), the Train de l'Ardèche, and Le Petit Train d'Avignon are all included. Great Rail Journeys offers Standard or First Class rail options, with Eurostar Plus on First Class departures.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
Escorted. An experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team travel with you throughout, organising all rail, coach transfers, and guided city tours.
What is included in the price?
Seven nights aboard MS Amadeus Provence, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), drinks with dinner each evening, guided tours, all excursions, entry to museums and cathedrals, and luggage service from home to ship and back (one case per cabin). Cancellation and travel insurance are not included.
Which ship and what are the onboard facilities?
The five-star MS Amadeus Provence offers superb facilities including sun decks, a gala captain's dinner, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Cabins on a cruise ship vary; Great Rail Journeys provides details at booking.
What is the walking difficulty?
Guided walking tours occur in Avignon, Arles, Lyon, and Beaune. The Ardèche Gorge excursion involves viewing points and moderate walking. The itinerary is manageable for most fitness levels, though specific accessibility needs should be confirmed with the operator.
When does the tour run?
Great Rail Journeys offers departures in April, May, June, July, September, and October 2027.

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